Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 8, 2026 (BSS) – Proper upbringing and the development of healthy habits from an early age are essential for a child, and learning from experts about how to properly care for children during their first two years is especially significant.

Experts stressed that infants should receive only breast milk for the first six months of life, with no need for additional water during this period.

They warned parents not to give formula or cow’s milk out of concern that the baby may still be hungry, as these can be harmful for infants.

According to Tahsinul Amin, a professor in the Neonatology Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a baby is considered to be receiving enough milk if they breastfeed eight to ten times in 24 hours, urinate at least six times a day, and gain weight regularly.

Iffat Ara Shamsad from the Paediatrics Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital stated that babies should continue breastfeeding while gradually being introduced to other foods.

Parents are advised to gradually increase food portions and introduce homemade semi-solid meals, such as a mix of rice, fish, lentils, and vegetables. Children should be fed in a calm and pleasant environment without distractions like mobile phones or television, and they should not be forced to eat.

She also recommends giving children one egg and one fruit daily. Eggs should be thoroughly cooked to avoid infections. A balanced feeding routine may include rice or khichuri twice a day, breakfast, and two additional nutritious snacks—about five meals daily in total.

After six months, babies should be given water in a glass instead of feeding bottles, she added, warning against developing habits of consuming soft drinks, chips, and processed snacks.

She also provided advice on newborn care during winter. She recommends keeping babies warmly dressed and ensuring their heads are always covered to protect them from the cold. In winter, babies should be bathed only after three days of birth and then every alternate day. After one month of age, they may be bathed daily using lukewarm boiled water.

Before bathing, she said, light oil massage is acceptable to keep the skin moisturized, but mustard oil should not be applied on the face or head as it can be irritating. Excess oil should also be avoided to prevent buildup on the scalp. Mild, baby-safe low-alkali soap can be used daily, and a gentle baby shampoo may be used twice a week. After bathing, baby lotion may be applied, but oils and lotions are not necessary before 15 days of age, she added.

The doctor also advises against shaving a newborn’s hair during winter, suggesting that the first haircut should be done at around 1.5 to 2 months of age.

Dr Shamsad also provided guidance on safe sleeping arrangements for newborns.

She said that the traditional practice of using a ring-shaped head support in the bed is unnecessary. Instead, a soft, thin pillow of about one inch in height is recommended for newborns, ensuring that the baby’s neck is not bent.

As the child grows, she said, pillow height can be gradually increased. The baby should sleep close to the mother, but care must be taken to ensure that blankets, sheets, pillows, or the mother’s body do not block the baby’s nose or mouth, or cause the baby to fall from the bed.

She recommended placing babies in sunlight for at least 30 minutes daily, preferably before 9 am or after 4 pm, with the mother also staying in the sun so both can produce vitamin D.

She advised handling newborns very carefully during the first three months, ensuring proper neck support so the baby’s head does not fall backward. Babies should not be lifted by pulling their hands, as this may harm their shoulder joints.

She also warned against using walkers to teach babies how to walk, explaining that children develop motor skills naturally and forcing the process may delay walking.